You want a vacation rental near Wilson that actually pencils and stays compliant. The catch is that most of the valley does not allow nightly rentals, which can derail an otherwise great investment. You deserve clear answers on where short-term rentals work, what the rules require, and how to model income with real data. This guide breaks down the local regulations, the areas that allow nightly stays, revenue signals, and a simple checklist to keep your plan on track. Let’s dive in.
What the rules allow near Wilson
Teton County treats most of Wilson as unincorporated county land. In these areas, the county’s Land Development Regulations prohibit rentals for fewer than 31 days unless the property sits in a place where lodging use is expressly allowed. The county actively enforces this rule and flags listings that advertise stays under 31 days. Review the county’s summary and approved areas on the official page for short‑term rental rules and violations. You can find it here: Teton County short‑term rental rules.
A limited number of developments and overlays are approved for lodging use. If a property is inside one of those approvals, nightly rentals can be legal if you follow the development standards and private covenants. If not, assume the 31‑day minimum applies. To confirm parcel status, start with the county’s Planning and Building portal and speak with Planning staff for written clarity: Teton County Planning & Permit Portal.
Inside the Town of Jackson, rules differ. The town uses permits and limits in many residential zones and requires a Basic Use Permit, a business license, and other steps. Some areas have caps on the number of stays and total nights per year. For a clear overview of the town’s program, see this summary of Jackson’s 2024 updates: Town of Jackson short‑term rental rules overview.
Finally, plan for taxes. Wyoming has no personal income tax, but state sales and lodging taxes apply to short stays. Platforms may remit some taxes automatically, yet you are responsible for correct registration and remittance when needed. Learn the basics here: Wyoming STR tax guidance.
Where short‑term rentals work today
The Aspens in Wilson
The Aspens is one of the county‑approved developments for lodging use, making it the most straightforward option in the Wilson area for nightly rentals. Units in an approved development can operate as vacation rentals within the development’s standards and any HOA covenants. Confirm the parcel’s status against the county’s approved list before you underwrite: Teton County STR rules and approved areas.
Teton Village
Teton Village is a resort area where lodging uses are standard. Many properties operate as nightly rentals or condo‑hotels, with strong demand in ski season and summer. Purchase prices and resort carrying costs are higher, so run a detailed pro forma using local seasonality data. Start your compliance review with the county’s page: Teton County STR rules.
Town of Jackson lodging areas
Parts of the town center and lodging overlays allow nightly rentals. Residential neighborhoods often have limits on how many stays or nights can be booked each year, plus permit and neighbor notification steps. If you are buying in town, confirm current permit requirements and frequency limits first: Town of Jackson STR overview.
Other approved developments in the valley
Beyond The Aspens and Teton Village, the county lists additional approved developments for lodging use, such as Spring Creek Ranch, Golf Creek and Teton Shadows condominiums, and specified resort parcels. Each has its own standards and HOA covenants. Verify eligibility at the county source: Approved STR areas and rules.
Teton Valley, Idaho alternatives
When a Wilson parcel is not eligible for nightly rentals, many investors look across Teton Pass to Driggs and Victor. Local rules there are generally more permissive, and acquisition prices can be lower. Always confirm registration and permitting requirements before you buy: Driggs short‑term rental guidance.
Demand, seasonality, and revenue signals
Jackson Hole is highly seasonal. University of Wyoming forecasts indicate monthly ADRs that often range between roughly 300 and 600 dollars depending on the month, with peak RevPAR in summer and ski season. Occupancy can exceed 75 to 80 percent in the highest months and falls in the shoulder seasons. Model your income month by month using local data: UWyo Jackson Hole forecasts.
Travel demand is strong. Jackson Hole Airport handles significant annual passenger volume, and Grand Teton National Park draws millions of visits, both of which support short‑term rental demand. See demand indicators here: Jackson Hole Airport passengers and Grand Teton visitation.
Gross revenue potential is high, but yields can compress due to elevated purchase prices. Industry roundups put Jackson Hole among top‑grossing vacation rental markets for nightly rates and annual potential, though returns vary widely by asset and location. Use local comps, not national averages: Highest‑grossing STR markets overview.
Risks and costs to plan for
- Legal risk. Advertising or operating a nightly rental in an ineligible county parcel can trigger complaints, fines, and enforcement. Begin every deal with a zoning and entitlement check: County STR rules.
- HOA covenants. Even where the county allows lodging, an HOA or subdivision may restrict it or add conditions. Review CC&Rs and get written clarity from the association and your attorney. Overview of town limits and operator responsibilities is here: Jackson STR overview.
- Taxes. Confirm who remits sales and lodging taxes for each booking channel and register if required. Errors can result in back taxes and penalties: Wyoming STR tax basics.
- Insurance and safety. Budget for hospitality‑grade liability coverage and any required inspections. Start with the local resource: Teton County Building Division.
- Operating overhead. Expect higher cleaning, snow removal, utilities, and property management costs in a mountain resort market. Build a conservative pro forma with seasonality stress tests.
Your due diligence checklist
- Confirm jurisdiction and zoning. Use the county portal to verify if the parcel is in unincorporated Teton County, an approved lodging development, or inside the Town of Jackson: Planning & Permit Portal.
- Verify lodging eligibility. Cross‑check the parcel against the county’s approved STR developments and overlays: County STR rules and approved areas.
- If inside the Town of Jackson. Confirm the Basic Use Permit, business license, and any caps on stays or nights for the property’s zone: Town STR overview.
- Review HOA and deed restrictions. Obtain CC&Rs and written confirmation of what is allowed. Private covenants can be stricter than public rules.
- Confirm tax obligations. Identify which taxes are platform‑remitted and which you must file yourself. Register where required: Wyoming STR tax guidance.
- Model monthly ADR and occupancy. Use local forecasts and comps to build a realistic pro forma with shoulder‑season stress tests: UWyo forecasts.
- Price insurance and inspections. Quote short‑term rental liability coverage and clarify any inspection requirements: Building Division resource.
- Line up local operations. If you will be absentee, secure a local manager and 24/7 contact to meet permit and guest response expectations.
- Have a Plan B. If nightly rentals are not allowed, consider a 31‑day rental strategy, buy inside an approved development, or explore nearby Idaho options: Driggs STR guidance.
Next steps
If you want a compliant, high‑performing vacation rental near Wilson, start with location eligibility, then underwrite with local seasonality and real operating costs. We can help you identify approved developments, vet HOA rules, and build a property‑specific pro forma so you buy with confidence. Reach out to Mountain West Luxury Living to start your shortlist.
FAQs
Can you run a nightly rental at a single‑family home in Wilson?
- Most unincorporated parcels in Wilson follow the county’s 31‑day minimum, unless the home sits in an area where lodging use is expressly allowed by the county. Verify here: Teton County STR rules.
What counts as a short‑term rental in Teton County?
- Rentals for fewer than 31 days are treated as short‑term and are prohibited unless the parcel is inside an approved lodging development or overlay per county rules: County STR rules.
Do you need a permit to operate in the Town of Jackson?
- Yes. The town requires permits and a business license, with limits on stays or nights in many residential zones. Start here for an overview of the 2024 framework: Town STR overview.
Can an HOA restrict short‑term rentals even if the county allows them?
- Yes. Private covenants can be more restrictive than public rules and may require approvals or on‑site management, so review CC&Rs carefully and get written confirmation from the HOA.
What taxes apply to short‑term rentals near Wilson?
- Expect Wyoming sales and lodging taxes on short stays and confirm if platforms remit on your behalf. Register and remit correctly to avoid penalties: Wyoming STR tax guidance.
How should you underwrite an Aspens condo?
- Use local monthly ADR and occupancy from the UWyo Jackson Hole forecasts to build a seasonality‑based pro forma and stress test shoulder months: UWyo forecasts.
What is a good alternative if a Wilson property is ineligible for STR?
- Consider a 31‑day rental strategy, focus your search inside approved developments in Teton County, or look at nearby Driggs and Victor, Idaho, where rules are generally more permissive: Driggs STR guidance.
